Speeding: what could you hit after hitting the brakes?

Nova Scotia RCMP is challenging motorists to think about what they could hit after hitting the brakes while speeding.

The faster you’re moving, the longer it takes to stop. Travelling 120 km/h in a 110 km/h zone, it would take approximately 120 metres to come to a stop on a dry road under normal conditions. That’s the length of a soccer field. If you were stunting and travelling 50 km/h over the speed limit at 160 km/h, it would take approximately 192 metres to stop.

Speeding puts you in a dangerous position because if the car in front of you hits the brakes and they’re less than your stopping distance away, you will hit them, swerve into another lane or go off the road.

“What seems like a small change in speed can mean the difference between a fender bender and a serious collision,” says Cst. Chad Morrison of the Nova Scotia RCMP. “If a pedestrian steps into the path of a speeding vehicle, the difference could be a matter of life or death.”

Despite the many risks, people continue to drive unsafely. In 2017, Nova Scotia RCMP issued 18,159 tickets for speeding and 181 for stunting.

There are other complicating factors when it comes to speeding and stunting. Every year, police respond to fatal and serious injury collisions where people are not driving for the road conditions. Wet or icy roads can double your stopping distance so it’s important to adjust your driving for those factors.

The speeding fines for a first offence in Nova Scotia are:

$237.50 for exceeding the speed limit by one-15 km/h and two points on your license.

$295 for exceeding the speed limit by 16-30 km/h and three points on your license.

$410 for exceeding the speed limit by 31 km/h or more and four points on your license.

Stunting is $2,422.50 for a first offence, six points on your license and an immediate seven day roadside license suspension.

Aggressive driving is another major threat to road safety. In addition to fines up to $2,422.50, points on your license and license suspensions, aggressive drivers could also face criminal charges.

In an effort to protect road users, Nova Scotia RCMP will continue to target those who speed, stunt and drive aggressively. Before you speed, consider what you could hit after hitting the brakes.